Overview
Brand and system work that ties together visuals, voice, and components into something teams can actually use.
Impact: Created reusable foundations and components that sped up delivery while keeping experiences consistent.
Key Accomplishments
- Defined design tokens, typography, and color foundations for use across products
- Documented reusable components and patterns in a way non-designers could understand
- Collaborated with engineering to ensure system decisions mapped cleanly into code
- Built component libraries in Figma and implemented in React/TypeScript
- Established governance processes for maintaining and evolving the system
Design Systems Philosophy
Systems That Scale
Design systems aren't just component libraries—they're the shared language that helps teams ship faster without sacrificing quality. I build systems that grow with the product, not against it.
Designer + Developer Collaboration
The best design systems are built with both designers and engineers at the table. I work to ensure system decisions make sense in both Figma and code, creating seamless handoffs and reducing friction.
Documentation That Works
Great documentation is the difference between a system that gets used and one that gets ignored. I write docs that explain not just the "what" but the "when" and "why" of component usage.
Design System Components
Foundation Layer
- Design Tokens: Color, spacing, typography, and elevation values that ensure consistency
- Typography System: Type scales, font weights, and hierarchy guidelines
- Color Palettes: Semantic color roles, accessibility-tested combinations, theming support
- Spacing & Layout: Grid systems, spacing scales, responsive breakpoints
Component Library
- Core Components: Buttons, inputs, cards, modals, navigation
- Complex Patterns: Forms, tables, data visualization, multi-step flows
- Composition Examples: Real-world layouts showing how components work together
- Variants & States: All component states documented (hover, active, disabled, error, etc.)
Guidelines & Patterns
- Usage Guidelines: When to use which component and why
- Accessibility Standards: WCAG compliance, keyboard navigation, screen reader support
- Content Guidelines: Voice, tone, and writing patterns
- Motion & Interaction: Animation timing, easing, transition patterns
Implementation Approach
1. Audit & Foundation
Start by auditing existing products to identify patterns, inconsistencies, and opportunities for consolidation. Build foundational tokens before jumping to components.
2. Design + Build in Parallel
Work with engineering to build components in both Figma and code simultaneously. This ensures design decisions are technically feasible and implementation matches the design intent.
3. Documentation as You Go
Don't wait until the end to document. Write usage guidelines, examples, and best practices as components are built. This makes the system immediately useful.
4. Iterate Based on Usage
Design systems are never done. Monitor how teams use components, gather feedback, and iterate based on real-world needs.
Benefits Delivered
- Faster Design & Development: Reusable components reduce time spent on repetitive work
- Consistent User Experience: Shared patterns create cohesive product experiences
- Reduced Technical Debt: Systematic approach prevents one-off solutions from accumulating
- Better Collaboration: Shared language improves communication between design and engineering
- Scalable Quality: High standards baked into the system, not relying on individual heroics
Skills Demonstrated
- Design system architecture and strategy
- Component library design (Figma, Sketch)
- Frontend implementation (React, CSS-in-JS, styled-components)
- Design tokens and theming
- Accessibility and inclusive design
- Technical documentation and guidelines
- Cross-functional collaboration and governance